PIHN

Help to Host PIHN Families, Working Their Way Out of Homelessness

Usually every summer for two weeks, USG provides shelter for these families as well as evening meals but because of our elevator construction, this summer we will provide just meals and hosts at Grace Epiphany Episcopal Church in Mt. Airy. If you can help host, kindly contact Carolyn Scott. Learn more.

We have many open spots waiting to be filled!

About PIHN

Since its founding in 1991, the Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (now Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network-PIHN) which is a network of approximately 10-15 Northwest Philadelphia congregations, churches and synagogues, has moved more than 275 families—745 individuals— from homelessness to stability. USG has been a member for almost 15 years. The PIHN program provides assessment and referrals, emergency housing, supportive service and transitional housing. Equipped with new skills and relationships, 92% of the families do not return to shelter programs after their PIHN experience. USG supports many of NPIHN’s activities and has hosted several homeless families for two weeks each summer.

Here are examples of some other ways we have supported PIHN:

During the winter holidays, through the Adopt-A-Family Drive, the USG community provides holiday gifts for families in the PIHN program.

We help keep Philadelphia a little warmer, with the donation of hats, gloves, mittens and scarves during the Christmas Eve Services.

Donations at our Christmas Eve service are often shared with PIHN.

Many Martin Luther King Day of Service events are related to poverty and homelessness themes. Volunteers have created shelving for the PIHN office and others sorted donated baby clothes. Lunches for 1,000 people were assembled in our church kitchen, which were taken to a number of area homeless shelters.

Several USG congregants volunteered to be mentors to PIHN families.

For two weeks each summer, USG hosts families at USG as they await permanent living situations.

Meet Our Minister

Kent Matthies is a life-long Unitarian Universalist who grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. Kent came to USG in 2002, bringing a vision for ministry that includes working for meaningful social change as well as providing pastoral care and meeting spiritual needs. More about Kent and other members of our staff.